Salt Lake City to Wallace: Epic Road Trip Guide

The drive from Salt Lake City, UT to Wallace, ID spans roughly 620 miles and takes about 9 hours without stops. But this route—anchored by I-15 N and I-90 W—crosses the Continental Divide twice, passing through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and the Bitterroot Range. A little-known fact: Wallace was the site of the last major silver strike in the U.S. in 1884, and today, the town is virtually entirely listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This guide turns the drive into an exploration, answering the questions: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Start by fueling up in Salt Lake City and setting your odometer at the intersection of I-15 and I-80 (40.7608° N, 111.8910° W). The first major milestone is the Utah-Idaho border at mile marker 355. From there, the landscape shifts from the Wasatch Front to volcanic plains. Continue north to Dillon, MT, then cut west on I-90 toward the Idaho panhandle. Wallace itself sits at 47.4746° N, 115.7839° W, at mile marker 62 on I-90.

Fuel economy is critical: expect a range of 250–300 miles per tank. Gas stations cluster in cities like Pocatello, ID, Idaho Falls, ID, Butte, MT, and Coeur d'Alene, ID. In remote stretches—especially between Dillon and Wallace—no services for 80 miles. Always fill up before leaving Dillon (last reliable station at exit 34 in MT).

Tolls: none on this route. Road quality: I-15 and I-90 are well-maintained asphalt, but watch for frost heaves in spring. Rest areas: official stops at mile markers 395 (Idaho Falls) and 49 (Wallace). Pack water and snacks, as diners close early in small towns.

• Key fuel stops: Pocatello (exit 67), Butte (exit 127), Coeur d'Alene (exit 11)
• Alternative route: US-93 via Salmon for scenic detour (adds 1 hour)
• RV note: propane available at Flying J in Pocatello and Camping World in Coeur d'Alene

The first natural highlight is the Portneuf River Valley near Pocatello. About 10 miles north of Pocatello, the lava fields of the Eastern Snake River Plain stretch for miles. Turn east on ID-22 toward Craters of the Moon National Monument (detour adds 1 hour). This surreal landscape of cinder cones and lava flows is a must-see.

Near Dillon, MT, the Big Hole National Battlefield (mile marker 44 on I-15) offers insight into Nez Perce history. Here, the Beaverhead Mountains rise to over 10,000 feet. Locals recommend the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway (MT-43) for wildlife viewing—elk and pronghorn frequent the area.

Wallace itself is a silver-mining museum. Browse the Wallace District Mining Museum (corner of Bank and Sixth) and the Oasis Bordello Museum for a glimpse of the Wild West. Local commerce thrives on antiques, mining artifacts, and the Sierra Silver Mine tour. For lunch, try the Blackboard Café on Bank Street for huckleberry pancakes.

Safety considerations: I-90 between Butte and Wallace has steep grades (6% near Lookout Pass) and winter black ice. Always carry chains from November to April. The highest elevation is 6,400 feet at Monida Pass (MT/ID border). Cell service gaps exist between mile markers 237 and 280 (MT).

Family-friendly stops: Yellowstone Bear World in Victor, ID (exit 330) is a drive-through wildlife park. The Tautphaus Park Zoo in Idaho Falls (exit 314) has a children's petting area. In Wallace, the Route of the Hiawatha rail trail is a 15-mile downhill bike ride through tunnels and trestles—rentals available for all ages.

• Pet-friendly: National forest trails allow dogs; rest areas have pet waste stations
• Fatigue management: Pull-offs at Craters of the Moon (lavender fields) and Lookout Pass (rest area with Waffle House)
• Child amenities: McDonald's playlands in Butte and Coeur d'Alene

Hidden off-route spots: The town of Kellogg, ID, 10 miles east of Wallace, has the Silver Mountain gondola (highest in the Pacific Northwest). Virgil's Grocery in Wallace sells locally smoked salmon jerky. For a quiet picnic, head to the Pulaski Tunnel Trail—a short hike to a historic fire shelter site.